I'm pre-op for gastric bypass...
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JadeAmber
Posts: 3
I'm almost three months in to preparing for gastric bypass surgery; I'm not much for face to face support groups but would like the advantage of hearing from those who are in my position or have been. I have lots of questions and am looking for friendly advice. The surgeon suggested the Roux-en Y procedure but I am still considering my options. I am 26 and have been overweight my entire life and am ready to let the thin, healthy me out for the rest of it! I've lost almost 10lbs already preparing and my goal is another 100 at least with the assistance of the surgery. Please give me your insights and what you've learned from your experiences. Thanks!
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Replies
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Just SAY NO!!! I am a nurse and this surgery is full of complication after complication. I have seen many post op patients years later and it is never good. This surgery is surgically induced anorexia. You will vomit after every meal. Your hair, nail, and skin will become very brittle. Malnutrition is huge, because this surgery does not teach you to eat right. I encourage you to do more research before you go under the knife. Best of luck to you.0
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This is a very personal choice.... I will just share with you my journey and thoughts when i considered this. I.ve know several people who had it done... and they would do very well... never regret that they did it..... then after a couple years.... they began to gain weight again and got as big or bigger than they were before..... I have also known several people who had it done and are absolutley great , They have adapted to everything and have had no further weight gain.....
for myself, The first time I considered it was in the 80's and still very new...... I decided not to because I wasn't willing to take the chance of problems and dying. I again looked at it in the past 4 years much safer and so many great varied procedures...
But it came down to one thing for me.... Having the procedure was going to force me to change my eating habits.... I was being made to do something... even though it is what I wanted..... why should I be forced by something or someone else..... I realized that was the way my life had gone. Everything was done by force, waiting for others or something else to push me,,,, even if it was what I wanted..... being pushed.... not taking my own initiative,,, or taking the initiative and fail;--I was giving over control of my body to something else.. It was at that point I decided WHy be pushed... The outcome could be the same..... So why not do it myself for myself..... Not long after that I discovered Hypno-psychotherapy and it has completely changed my outcomes.... I am 94 pounds down.... and still going.... I have developed a positive outlook and look at it all from the positive side... I work with what I have to create what I want... I do not work from a place of lack anylonger........ It is the emotions and the coping that need work and help....With out that...... It can still be a cycle. I would imagine that you are getting that in your preop stage.....
That's my story.... Good luck to you..... Am wishing you the best..... Good vibes your way..... Success is yours... take it....0 -
I have a friend who had it done and only lost a few pounds afterwards which she went on to gain back. A few years later she had another procedure done and it has helped some but she really owes her weight loss success to working out / walking for exercise. There is a male friend in our church who had a band put around his stomach to make it a smaller pouch (can't remember what they call that surgery) and he really lost alot of weight and looked so good that my daughter and I both had it done. Neither of us has had any success which is discouraging! I really have to agree with what MaryMooster has to share. Best of luck in your decision whichever way you decide to go!0
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I have a lapband..but I think the main thing I will say is that neither procedure will work long term unless you are ready and willing to change your lifestyle completely.
I don't regret getting my band and consider it a great tool. But I log my food in here have about 3 support groups designed to get to the heart of living life on lifes terms with out food as a crutch. And I am much more active. Give yourself a good look and ask yourself are you ready to make the changes mentally, emotionally and physically not just surgically!0 -
I personally have an uncle who had the bypass and he has nothing but problem after problem. He did lose quite a bit of weight but some of his stitches came undone and he almost died. I have also heard that in young adults with the bypass surgery there is a 1 in 10 chance of dying. This is a big and personal choice. I would really look into all my options. Good Luck and congrats on the 10lbs lost, it's a start.0
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Congratulations on losing 100lbs in pre-op, why not just continue the hard work and put in a little more effort and lose the next 100 the old fashion way. I come from a big family have been big for overweight for severals years now. I have tried basically everything from pills to extreme dieting. Theres only 1 thing thats been keeping the scale going in the steady direction it has been and thats hard work. I still slip up from time to time but make myself pay in the gym. It says only 24 lbs lost on here but I am over 40 since I started. I know most people here wont give you the advice you want I hope whatever you do you change your lifestyle so that the results stay.0
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Thanks all for your insights; I am pretty set on doing the surgery. Over the years it has become safer and can be done laproscopically (spelling?). Also because I am young the surgeon told me I had less of a chance for complications. I'm kind of looking for people who have had it done to answer specific questions, for example "What are some obstacles that have come up that the doctors do not tell you?". Also would be great to have some who are doing the process I am, just to throw ideas off of and advice. I appreciate the opinions of those who say don't; but I'm looking for support with those who say do.0
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I had my surgery two years ago on August 15th. I couldn't be happier. Yes, some people do have some problems but you work through them and figure out what your body will tolerate. I would recommend this only to someone who is commited to this life changing surgery. So, far I don't tolerate mayo, sugar and store bought dressings and sauces. So, I make my own. I make sugar free and non dairy cookies/cakes (birthdays and holidays). If I'm craving something sweet... I make my version of a blueberry pie (plain yogurt, blueberries and crumbled graham cracker). I found I really enjoy cooking more because everything is homemade now.
I would also recommed you start cutting your portions down now to 6-8ozs (meat; veggies or fruit and then starch) and eating 5-6 times a day. I don't tolerate beef at all.. It's not that I can't eat it...it just takes to long to chew. I think the hardest thing for me was not being able to drink while I ate my meals. I set reminders up when I could drink water. I drink more water if I use crystel light flavor packets (plain water is just harder to drink). I hope this helps. Take care and good luck0 -
Since you have decided, the most important thing is do do as debbielou says. and commit to it... mentally emotionally and physically.Thanks all for your insights; I am pretty set on doing the surgery. Over the years it has become safer and can be done laproscopically (spelling?). Also because I am young the surgeon told me I had less of a chance for complications. I'm kind of looking for people who have had it done to answer specific questions, for example "What are some obstacles that have come up that the doctors do not tell you?". Also would be great to have some who are doing the process I am, just to throw ideas off of and advice. I appreciate the opinions of those who say don't; but I'm looking for support with those who say do.
I only know about problems from people I know who have had it done and from being a nurse.. but food tolerence, vomiting, emotional distress diarrhea malnutrition with long term effects. The trick is know that they could be present... just don't invite them. Deal with them as they come..... but know the whole time you are incharge and you are able to do anything . If the mind can perceive it we can acheive it... not my quote. but a good one.best wishes... good luck... keep us posted on your progress0 -
Just SAY NO!!! I am a nurse and this surgery is full of complication after complication. I have seen many post op patients years later and it is never good. This surgery is surgically induced anorexia. You will vomit after every meal. Your hair, nail, and skin will become very brittle. Malnutrition is huge, because this surgery does not teach you to eat right. I encourage you to do more research before you go under the knife. Best of luck to you.
I have not had gastric bypass but I am 6 months post op from lapband. I coulddn't be happier with my decision and feel amazing (I don't look too bad either
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It is absolutely essential to follow your program and they vary by surgeon/hospital. Of course malnutrition and other complications are possible, but the majority of them are caused by non compliance. If you don't take your vitamins and don't take in enough protein, you will lose your hair . If you eat too fast or too much, you will vomit and often or you may choose unhealthy "slider" foods causing you to maintain or gain. You certainly will not vomit after every meal if you eat the right foods, chew, and eat slowly! RNY or the band are not surgically induced anorexia! Anorexia is a psychological disorder with physical and metabolic consequences. Surgery creates a smaller pouch causing the patient to be full with less volume. Bypass is a malabsorptive surgery, meaning you must consume nutrient dense foods and take daily supplements. Simply being malabsorptive does not mean it is dangerous, bad, or unhealthy. IT does put responsibility on the patient to make good choices and follow up with one's surgeon.
I have gotten stuck a few times- taking a bite that was too big, a little too fast, or eating a little too much. It does not feel good, but walking and trying to relax makes it pass... feels like tight/sharp pain in the middle of the chest or throat. I follow my diet very well and still 224 days after surgery, I HAVE NOT VOMITTED ONCE.
The surgery itself does not teach you to eat right or battle emotional eating and scars. Finding a qualified surgeon supported by a strong multi-specialty program and recognized as an ASBMS Center of Excellence will set you up for success and support you when you stumble. Whether or not you understand proper nutrition or not, a nutritionist will help you learn how to eat post op and deal with life. I finally found one who understood my crazy work schedule (24hr shifts) and helped me deal with managing meals when eating on schedule is not possible. One of the best things to happen is I've finally learned how to cook, and I now love planning and preparing meals, especially when I can make things that are great tasting but nutrient dense, healthy options.
A solid program will provide you with MONTHLY support groups that may seem mundane, but they are a gathering of people in all stages of what you are or will go through. I look at them as an opportunity to listen to others' stories and get reinforcement from the surgeon and nutritionists. These programs also encourage frequent visits in the first post op year. Most importantly, they ensure medical clearance by any relevant specialists based upon your medical history.
Overall, surgery is safe. The risk of death is not 10% (1/10) but more like 0.1-0.5% depending on the study statistics. Lap surgeries offer fewer complications and faster recovery than their open counterparts. HOWEVER, any WLS is major abdominal surgery. They involve incisions, surgical instruments, general anesthesia, etc. Therefore, there are potential risks. Bad things can happen with any surgery. Of course, surgical complications are more prevalent in the morbidly obese population and even higher with other comorbidities. These are things you need to discuss with your physicians and your support people and resolve within yourself. Be frank, ask your surgeon for his statistics. Post op, people can and do get infections of various severity for many reasons. Rarely, RNY "goes wrong" and pouches are made too small or connections are leaky. Most of these issues can be avoided by selecting a qualified experienced bariatric surgeon, not just a general surgeon who also offers WLS.
Most importantly, the decision to have surgery is intensely personal, emotional, and life altering. It is not something to decide overnight. You must be an informed health care consumer and advocate for yourself. This goes for everyone, don't let others' misconceptions and skewed reasoning affect your desire to change your life for the better in any way you feel necessary! Do your research, follow a program, seek help when you need it, exercise, be realistic and remember your goals when life is tough.
BTW, I am a health care professional and very well educated, I do my research and I've read all the major studies down to the p values and sample data. Honestly, I mean no offense, but simply saying you are an RN does not imply knowledge of WLS except for anecdotal experience with patients who have had issues, those who are sick enough to be admitted. That is real experience, yet it does not reflect the broader population of WLS patients.
Good luck to anyone who has had or is considering surgery!0 -
Just SAY NO!!! I am a nurse and this surgery is full of complication after complication. I have seen many post op patients years later and it is never good. This surgery is surgically induced anorexia. You will vomit after every meal. Your hair, nail, and skin will become very brittle. Malnutrition is huge, because this surgery does not teach you to eat right. I encourage you to do more research before you go under the knife. Best of luck to you.
There are many complications to ANY TYPE of surgery. Just like regular surgeries have many benefits to those will to follow doctor's orders. The same is true for all WLS available now. Unfortuantely there are many anti WLS medical professionals. I always notice there is almost never any mention of the many people who have benefited from these surgeries.
Example: Knee surgeries? Many complications and sometimes their can be many but I don't see people telling people not to have knee surgery. Many cancer surgeires have many complications. It is up the the individual whether or not they want to risk the complications. It is up to the individual to decide if the benefits of the surgery in question out weigh the complications that are absolutely a risk. All surgeries have their risk.
Congrats on your 100 pound weight loss!! your chances of long term weight loss is very good if you have RNY or LB. RNY has a higher percentage of success but both surgeries have come a long ways as far as success. And just like with losing weight thru exercise and diet your sucess depends on you. Your application of the your doctors orders and recommendations.
I had RNY in 2004 and it is the best gift I ever gave myself. Even though I gained almost a 3rd of my weight back I know I needed the surgery. Just like normal people gain weight, I did also over a 3 year period. Do your research. I have seen many successes with both surgeries. I know many who have the LB and end up have RNY 2 to 3 years later. Good luck to you!!0 -
Just SAY NO!!! I am a nurse and this surgery is full of complication after complication. I have seen many post op patients years later and it is never good. This surgery is surgically induced anorexia. You will vomit after every meal. Your hair, nail, and skin will become very brittle. Malnutrition is huge, because this surgery does not teach you to eat right. I encourage you to do more research before you go under the knife. Best of luck to you.
Couldn't agree with you more. IMO this is a quick fix for lazy people. I am sorry that it may sound rude but anyone that wants it bad enough can lose weight with proper diet and exercise.0 -
I did consider having this operation done, but when I looked at the way you change your eating habits/ how quickly the weight comes off/price I decided that for 1/3 of the cost I could employ a personal trainer for 6 months, learn to eat small meals six times day anyway, fall in love with exercise and lose the same amount of weight while getting fit and feeling fantastic because I worked hard for it xxx0
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Just SAY NO!!! I am a nurse and this surgery is full of complication after complication. I have seen many post op patients years later and it is never good. This surgery is surgically induced anorexia. You will vomit after every meal. Your hair, nail, and skin will become very brittle. Malnutrition is huge, because this surgery does not teach you to eat right. I encourage you to do more research before you go under the knife. Best of luck to you.
Couldn't agree with you more. IMO this is a quick fix for lazy people. I am sorry that it may sound rude but anyone that wants it bad enough can lose weight with proper diet and exercise.
Wow!!! Lazy people......:-( Yes,,,so SAD indeed. I just pray for people with these interesting and narrow minded opinions and statements. It doesn't sound rude. It sounds like a person who has never walked in a super morbibly obese person shoes and has no empathy for their issues. And narrows it down to plain old LAZY. Again all I can say is WOW!0 -
Just SAY NO!!! I am a nurse and this surgery is full of complication after complication. I have seen many post op patients years later and it is never good. This surgery is surgically induced anorexia. You will vomit after every meal. Your hair, nail, and skin will become very brittle. Malnutrition is huge, because this surgery does not teach you to eat right. I encourage you to do more research before you go under the knife. Best of luck to you.
Couldn't agree with you more. IMO this is a quick fix for lazy people. I am sorry that it may sound rude but anyone that wants it bad enough can lose weight with proper diet and exercise.
Wow!!! Lazy people......:-( Yes,,,so SAD indeed. I just pray for people with these interesting and narrow minded opinions and statements. It doesn't sound rude. It sounds like a person who has never walked in a super morbibly obese person shoes and has no empathy for their issues. And narrows it down to plain old LAZY. Again all I can say is WOW!
OH really? I was 338lbs 2 years ago and 5 years ago I was 170lbs. I am now down to 221. So please tell me that again?
Once again lazy and lack of will power. Call me close minded but I have heard the "I can't lose weight, I have dieted, I have tried everything" excuse. I was one of those people that just couldn't lose it and thought about operation after operation but I seem to be losing it.0 -
lots of energy around this one.... every one has to find their own way... It is a different issue for everyone as to why they are obese and what it is gonna take to lose it....This is a very personal choice.... I will just share with you my journey and thoughts when i considered this. I.ve know several people who had it done... and they would do very well... never regret that they did it..... then after a couple years.... they began to gain weight again and got as big or bigger than they were before..... I have also known several people who had it done and are absolutley great , They have adapted to everything and have had no further weight gain.....
for myself, The first time I considered it was in the 80's and still very new...... I decided not to because I wasn't willing to take the chance of problems and dying. I again looked at it in the past 4 years much safer and so many great varied procedures...
But it came down to one thing for me.... Having the procedure was going to force me to change my eating habits.... I was being made to do something... even though it is what I wanted..... why should I be forced by something or someone else..... I realized that was the way my life had gone. Everything was done by force, waiting for others or something else to push me,,,, even if it was what I wanted..... being pushed.... not taking my own initiative,,, or taking the initiative and fail;--I was giving over control of my body to something else.. It was at that point I decided WHy be pushed... The outcome could be the same..... So why not do it myself for myself..... Not long after that I discovered Hypno-psychotherapy and it has completely changed my outcomes.... I am 94 pounds down.... and still going.... I have developed a positive outlook and look at it all from the positive side... I work with what I have to create what I want... I do not work from a place of lack anylonger........ It is the emotions and the coping that need work and help....With out that...... It can still be a cycle. I would imagine that you are getting that in your preop stage.....
That's my story.... Good luck to you..... Am wishing you the best..... Good vibes your way..... Success is yours... take it....
Will power is good but not the only factor. Deep imbedded emotions are the main cause....
Some people need more help and push than others.... but not everyone is the same.... we all tick to a different tock.
So. while for us... having the surgery is not an option and we are able to move ahead.... Others need more help and time....
Best wishes to everyone....0 -
Just to clarify, I have not lost 100 lbs, just 10 the one person read it wrong. But I am proud of the 10+ lbs! (I've lost a few more) It's very nice to hear from those who have passed on their experiences in the RNY or lap band. I have educated myself on the subject but am always open to learning more. I am seeing a nutritionist and other professionals that are involved in the bariatric surgery team in the area. I am learning a lot from them and learning how to change my habits and thoughts gradually-the way you have always lived your life doesn't just change overnight. I have held a steady few pounds lost every month since I've been doing this. It's very upsetting to hear that some people think I or other who are overweight are lazy. Again, I've joined this site to gather support, not hear the criticisms of the few people who are opposed. I have not asked whether to do it or not. I have made my decision and am determined to become a healthy, thin person. Thank you again to those who have shared productive information and experiences. Please feel free to continue to keep in touch.0
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Just to clarify, I have not lost 100 lbs, just 10 the one person read it wrong. But I am proud of the 10+ lbs! (I've lost a few more) It's very nice to hear from those who have passed on their experiences in the RNY or lap band. I have educated myself on the subject but am always open to learning more. I am seeing a nutritionist and other professionals that are involved in the bariatric surgery team in the area. I am learning a lot from them and learning how to change my habits and thoughts gradually-the way you have always lived your life doesn't just change overnight. I have held a steady few pounds lost every month since I've been doing this. It's very upsetting to hear that some people think I or other who are overweight are lazy. Again, I've joined this site to gather support, not hear the criticisms of the few people who are opposed. I have not asked whether to do it or not. I have made my decision and am determined to become a healthy, thin person. Thank you again to those who have shared productive information and experiences. Please feel free to continue to keep in touch.
Good luck and congrats on your continued weight loss! Staying motivated and determined will carry you through. Feel free to message me if you have any questions.
Kim0 -
Just SAY NO!!! I am a nurse and this surgery is full of complication after complication. I have seen many post op patients years later and it is never good. This surgery is surgically induced anorexia. You will vomit after every meal. Your hair, nail, and skin will become very brittle. Malnutrition is huge, because this surgery does not teach you to eat right. I encourage you to do more research before you go under the knife. Best of luck to you.
I agree! I know you have to decide for yourself, but most of the patients that I dealt with post op had more than 1 complication. I also know at least 3 people who gained back at least half of the weight. If you start putting it back on this can also cause complications. IMHO I wouldn't have it done, and would do whatever I could to talk a friend out of having it done.0 -
everything u said about G.B. is true. a girl who worked in the same place as me walked around with a feeding tube in place and then died. there was nothing they could do. her whole family had it without problems, but not her. very sad. stick around with us. u lost 10 lbs. : )0
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